Other stuff to do around Comic-Con if you can’t get into the show

San Diego Comic-Con is easily one of the biggest events of the year, with thousands flocking to the San Diego Convention Center to see celebrities, buy comic goodies and just take in the madness of geekery at its finest. But what if you can’t get in? Badges have been sold out for months now, and the site isn’t likely to open up new ones once the show kicks off this week.

Not to worry. If you’re in the San Diego area, you can partake in a number of happenings going on outside of the event, even without a badge. And you can still take in all the geeky glory without having to deal with smelly cosplay dudes or pushy security types. So check out our list and have a good time. We will!

The Nerd Machine Nerd HQ Panels and Events

For those who think they aren’t cool without a Comic-Con badge, Nerd HQ is for you. Like last year, “Chuck’s” Zachary Levi and his fellow nerds at the Nerd Machine will be hosting a headquarters just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Convention Center, located at Block No. 16 Union and Spirits over at 344 7th Avenue). Along with the yearly Nerd party hosted by Levi (Friday evening, no charge), you can also stop by and play some of the year’s hottest games, including forthcoming hits like Tomb Raider and Hitman: Absolution, as well as the Gears of War multiplayer mode Overrun.

In addition, Nerd HQ will also host a slew of awesome panels with superstars galore. Expendables 2 stars Dolph Lundgren, Terry Crews and Randy Couture will take part, along with Levi, Nathan Fillion, Guillermo del Toro, and others. There will also be dedicated panels for Assassins Creed III and Tomb Raider you don’t want to miss. Though most are sold out, you can head here to purchase tickets for the others

So Nerd HQ might be a little full at times with all the, well, nerds. But that’s just Levi and his team partaking in the community and showing them a good time. You should do them a favor and join them.

Sega Arcade/Sonic Boom

Every year at the San Diego Comic-Con, Sega goes all out by opening a separate arcade and inviting folks down to join in the fun, even without a badge. This year is no different, as the company will once again host a separate venue at 200 Harbor Drive, Suite 120, in beautiful San Diego. (They’ll also have kiosks in the event if you do have a badge.)

Two main draws in their arcade this year are Aliens: Colonial Marines, which will be set up on a multiplayer basis, and Sonic & All Stars Transformed, the sequel to their hit kart racing game. Other titles should be present as well, including Jet Set Radio. The company will be giving out free Aliens comic books to all attendees, and you can get your picture with a 12-foot replica of the Alien Queen, if you feel so compelled.

And on Friday night, from 5 PM to 10 PM, the company will host a Sonic Boom event to celebrate everything Sonic the Hedgehog at the House of Blues in San Diego. Crush 40 will headline the event, and special guests will be in attendance, including Takashi Iizuka. Tickets can be purchased at this link

So, yeah, Sega’s got you covered. Especially if you love Aliens.

WB Extras Stage

Hosted at San Diego’s Bayfront Park, which is minutes from the Convention Center, WB’s Extras Stage will host a number of celebrities and events that will host everything nerddom. Kevin Bacon and his brother will perform a musical set live on the stage on Saturday night, and Kevin Smith, the man behind Clerks and Red State, will record a live podcast Friday night with a special “Bat-guest”. A showcase for Injustice: Gods Among Us, the upcoming fighting game from Netherrealm Studios, will also be shown.

In addition, movies will be shown each night, sponsored by Flixster. Thursday evening will bring the classic The Goonies to the screen; Friday will bring the 2009 remake of Friday the 13th; and Saturday will have Beetlejuice. All movies begin at 8:30 PM, first come first serve.

Several stars from WB shows will also stop by, and fans can take part in nerddom trivia contests and cosplay tournaments for prizes. Sounds like fun. We’ll see you there for Goonies.

Dredd 3D Screening- and It’s Free!

Forget Sylvester Stallone’s Judge Dredd movie and, more importantly, forget Rob Schneider. This September, the latest version of the comic, Dredd 3D, will be coming to theaters, and on Wednesday night, Lionsgate is hosting a first come, first serve screening of the movie at the Reading Cinemas Gaslamp at 701 5th Avenue.

Though seats are likely to fill up quick, they’ll be worth it, as you can see one of the fall’s most anticipated flicks first. For good measure, the star of the film, Karl Urban, will be on hand to introduce it.

Gam3rCon

Located over at the 10th Avenue Theater in downtown San Diego, the Gam3rCon will once again take place all week long, starting on the 11th and running through the 15th. Various gaming tournaments will take place throughout the week at the event, along with special shows and rooftop parties that, as a gamer, you owe yourself to partake in.

Along with a Video Game Arena and a Tabletop Gaming Lounge, you can chill on the roof with drinks and snacks while taking in performances by Maven Imprint and the Fizgigs. There will also be a comedy night hosted by Andre “Black Nerd” Meadows, along with a Video Game High School screening party featuring Jimmy Wong and company.

You can purchase tickets at this link. Stop by and chill out for a bit, away from the hecticness of the Comic-Con show floor!

So, see? You’ve got plenty to do outside of Comic-Con. Not to mention the awesomeness of the Gaslamp District. See you there!